John David Zele, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and International · 4.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMorgan Lewis And Bockius Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing business in Washington since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John David Zele?
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Quick answer
John David Zele is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and International. John has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan Lewis And Bockius Llp. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Business · General · International
- Handles Business, General, and International matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About John David Zele: John David Zele is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and International. John has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan Lewis And Bockius Llp. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on business, general, international, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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International
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IP
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Litigation
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Patent
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Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes business matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
International cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes international matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes ip matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John David Zele — business lawyer in Washington
John David Zele is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and International. John has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan Lewis And Bockius Llp. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. John David Zele is a lawyer practicing international law, patent infringement, intellectual property and 10 other areas of law. John received a B.S.E.E. degree from Princeton University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years. John practices at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in Washington, DC.
Working with John on a business matter
Mr. John David Zele is a lawyer practicing international law, patent infringement, intellectual property and 10 other areas of law. John received a B.S.E.E. degree from Princeton University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years. John practices at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in Washington, DC.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and international matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
George Washington University National Law Center
J.D. · 1993
Princeton University
B.S.E.E. · 1988
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1996 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1993 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in George Washington University National Law Center and B.S.E.E. in Princeton University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in George Washington University National Law Center and B.S.E.E. in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
John David Zele's office in Washington
John's primary office is at 1111 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, 20004-2541. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Morgan Lewis And Bockius Llp
1111 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004-2541
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John David Zele — 4.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Washington.
4.6
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John David Zele claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John David Zele — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John David Zele
How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Washington?
John is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new business clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
John handles business matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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